🥨 Cinnamon-Sugar Pumpkin Pretzels 🎃
Ingredients
For the dough:
1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
1 tbsp granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra as needed
½ cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 tsp salt
1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
For the coating:
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
1½ tsp ground cinnamon
Equipment
Stand mixer with dough hook (or large bowl and wooden spoon)
Silicone spatula
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
Pastry brush
Instructions
Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Let sit for 5–7 minutes until foamy.
Mix dry ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together flour, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
Form the dough: Add pumpkin puree and 1 cup of additional warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and continue mixing. Use a silicone spatula to guide dough toward the hook. If too sticky, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time—dough should be soft but not tacky. Mix just until smooth (about 4–5 minutes). Avoid overworking.
First rise: Transfer dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the pretzels: Punch down the dough and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each into an 18-inch rope. Form into a “U,” twist the ends twice near the bottom, then fold down and press lightly to seal (see visual guide if needed). Use a dab of water to help ends stick.
Second rise: Place shaped pretzels on parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them apart. Cover loosely and let rest for 1 hour until puffed.
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake one sheet at a time for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown on top and bottom.
Coat while warm: Brush each pretzel generously with melted butter, then roll or sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
Serve: Enjoy warm for the softest texture, or at room temperature.
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